WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2026/2027 – After a shock early goal from Paris FC, Barcelona responded ruthlessly. The French side matched the holders after the break, but a devastating first half had already decided the contest (5-2).

While PSG earned a valuable point in Madrid and Lyon demolished Servette, Paris FC faced the toughest possible test against Barcelona. The defending champions, who have lifted the trophy in four of the last six seasons, made short work of the third French club on matchday one.

Paris FC stun the hosts with an early breakthrough

Against all expectations, it was Paris FC who struck first. New signings Mariam Toloba and Evelyne Viens combined brilliantly. The former Nantes player capitalized on a poor Spanish touch to release the Canadian, who used her strength to shrug off Paredes and Martina before finishing past Cata Coll. A stunned silence fell over the stadium, but Barcelona wasted little time restoring order. Forty minutes later, the scoreboard read 4-1.

After being called into action several times, Chavas was finally beaten by Kerolin in the 18th minute. Completely unmarked at the far post from a corner, Serrajordi pounced to put Barcelona ahead, before Graham Hansen delivered another inch-perfect cross for Pajor. The Norwegian, who had already provided two assists, then added a fourth goal just before the interval. The pace was simply too much for Paris FC, who were outclassed technically.

Second-half resilience offers a glimmer of hope

Although they could not overturn the deficit, Paris FC matched the holders for the remaining 45 minutes. Their pressing was more intense and better organized, preventing Barcelona from settling after the restart. But while the defense looked more solid, the attack lacked a cutting edge. And as so often happens, the hosts punished them.

Following a moment of brilliance from Sydney Schertenleib, Pajor completed her brace in the 70th minute. Paris FC, however, kept pushing and were eventually rewarded. Clara Mateo needed two attempts but found the net shortly after. The visitors won the second half 1-1, but the first had been fatal. The hardest part may be over for Paris FC, but Arsenal await next week…